Veterinary Assistant Schools in South Dakota

Veterinary assistants play important roles in any veterinary establishment; many things go wrong without them. In addition to carrying out technical duties, they are also needed for administrative tasks in the office, including record-keeping and patient interaction.

The state of South Dakota has a very straightforward platform for candidates to start a successful career in this field. Below, we explore all the requirements needed while showing a few training programs that candidates can consult for comprehensive education.

South Dakota also boasts competitive salaries for veterinary assistants, and we have outlined some relevant figures for this case. Readers will also discover some factors they can optimize to improve their yearly earnings.

How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in South Dakota

These steps are needed to become a successful veterinary assistant in South Dakota.

Have a High School Diploma or GED

Veterinary assistant training programs in South Dakota make it an admission requirement for candidates to have a high school diploma. It is also possible to get into these institutions with a GED equivalent.

Complete a Program

After meeting the basic requirements, you must choose a veterinary assistant training program in South Dakota. At this point, choosing an accredited training program may be advisable.

Even though the state doesn’t require NAVTA accreditation, vet assistants who attend such a program may have an edge in becoming certified later. During this time, students should learn how to identify breeds, utilize restraining techniques, and administer medication, among other things.

NAVTA-approved programs, including on-campus, online, and hybrid, come in all shapes and sizes.

Employment

Veterinary assistants in South Dakota enjoy sustained demand for their expertise. Veterinary establishments such as Mountain View Animal Hospital in Rapid City and Northern Hills Veterinary Clinic in Sturgis are examples of the state’s most popular employers.

However, candidates should consider the certification requirements before securing a job placement. We explore this topic in more detail below.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a veterinary technician in South Dakota

Top Veterinary Assistant Training Schools in South Dakota

The following are the best places to receive training as an aspiring veterinary assistant in South Dakota.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Veterinary Assistant Schools in Wyoming

Licensure & Certification Requirements

South Dakota has yet to have a state board or organization in charge of setting licensing requirements for veterinary Assistants. Once properly trained, individuals can start a professional career.

Those who attended a NAVTA-accredited program will immediately receive a link to register for the Approved Veterinary Assistant designation, which will help them greatly along their careers. Those who did not attend an accredited program but would like to be certified can do so by participating in an externship or working in a veterinary practice before qualifying for the AVA certification exam.

The examination itself examines candidates’ expertise in several key areas. Those who have passed will officially become certified but will be expected to renew their credentials through continuing education.

Salary & Career Outlook

It should come as no surprise that the location of South Dakota, where a veterinary assistant works, will impact their yearly earnings. Rapid City, with an annual average salary of $48,054, and Sioux Falls, with an annual average salary of $39,713, are the two locations with the highest annual earnings figures. Along with location, the annual average earnings of veterinary assistants in South Dakota will depend on their experience level and work environment.

Generally, a vet assistant just starting can expect to earn an annual average salary of $41,488 in the median category or $29,096 in the low-earning category. They take home an annual average salary of $59,158 in the top 10% category.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to predict a positive year-on-year increase in the employment rate for veterinary assistants in South Dakota and across the country.